Leitchfield Council OKs one-year communications contract and budget amendment

The Leitchfield City Council voted unanimously to authorize a one-year communications specialist contract and to amend the city budget to pay for the service, with tourism expected to share the cost.

Council members said the specialist — proposed by Lincoln Trail AD District — would provide ongoing outreach such as website updates, targeted social-media pushes and video content to promote tourism, city services and local events. The vendor described tools that can “push” notices to phones of people who have visited city attractions and can target outreach for events such as East Main Market Night, according to council discussion.

The council discussed who would serve as the city point of contact for content; council members suggested existing staff (Lori, Ilsa or an officer from the police department) could coordinate. Members also asked about performance tracking. The mayor asked whether $1,800 was available in the budget for the work; council decided to proceed with a 12-month contract and to amend the budget accordingly, with tourism contributing to the cost.

Councilmember Terry made the motion to authorize the contract and budget amendment; Tim seconded. The motion passed on a voice vote with all present voting in favor.

The vote follows the city’s interest in improving outreach about municipal services — from tourism to animal shelter and police department programs — and in promoting newly acquired industrial land to prospective investors. Council members said the contract would be a trial and could be discontinued if it did not demonstrate value.

Next steps: staff were directed to finalize contract details and return any formal contract for approval at a subsequent council meeting.